Dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative shoe midsole/insole device

ABSTRACT

An insole device as provided which has a sole shaped body defining an upwardly extending dome in a midfoot section thereof. A biofeedback catalyst is mountable in the dome so as to be moveable at least longitudinally relative to the sole shaped body. The catalyst is positionable to cause the dome to engage an anatomical apex of the sole face of the arch of a wearer&#39;s foot. The catalyst has an ellipsoidal or spherical shape, being dimensioned and having a resiliency sufficient to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of mechanical receptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the wearer&#39;s sole at said apex. Cooperating engagement means extend between the body and the catalyst for connecting the catalyst to the body to locate the catalyst in the dome while allowing the movement of the catalyst relative to the body.

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisionalapplication no. U.S. 61/457,252 filed Feb. 10, 2011, the entire contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an insole for a shoe. In particular,the present invention relates to an insole device that can rehabilitatea foot by stimulating a proprioceptive reflex response in the wearer'sfoot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Professionals dealing with gait related pathologies generally acceptthat a large majority of persons will, at some time in their lives,suffer some form of gait related pain or dysfunction. It is also wellaccepted that, in the majority of cases, the mechanism underlying thepathology, injury, or dysfunction is biomechanically related to thefoot's musculoskeletal capabilities during the interface between thefoot and the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsionphases of the gait cycle.

It has been proposed that providing a device to create a proprioceptive,or internal, feedback stimulus to a user's foot can directly target theunderlying pathology, injury, or dysfunction. Such devices are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 to Burke et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807to Gardiner, and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 to Gardiner.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, an arch rehabilitative catalyststimulates the Golgi tendon organ, which in turn, stimulates themusculoskeletal structure of the foot to rehabilitate the footstructure. The catalyst is an asymmetrically domed hump, which creates amild to strong discomfort to initially stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.

However, it has been found that the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,404,659 does not function as described, and that the majority of usersfind the device too uncomfortable to use. In particular, when subjectedto conventional vertical compressive forces of a person walking in therange of 2.5 times body weight, the device is designed to deflectbetween 40% and 60% of its maximum height, and when subject to only onetimes a person's weight, there should be no deflection. In addition, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,659, the device has an ideal apexheight of 5.25% to 7.6% of the total foot length. A device builtaccording to these dimensions and deflection capabilities results in anoverly high arch height, and can cause severe discomfort, and possibleinjury, to a wearer. It is further disclosed that the absolute,non-weight bearing height of the device should be the same regardless ofbody weight and arch height. This is clearly wrong, since differentwearers will have different comfort thresholds and arch heights.

In general, the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 does notfunction as described. Users would find the device too hard to usesuccessfully, and rather than stimulating a proprioceptive response, thedevice would cause pain and discomfort at each step. The pain engenderedin the foot of a wearer would, in fact, cause the user to limit thepressure applied to the foot to avoid the discomfort, rather thanexercising the foot by creating an imperceptible stimulation as is itsstated goal.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807 and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457,an arch rehabilitative catalyst stimulates the Golgi tendon organ, whichin turn, stimulates the musculoskeletal structure of the foot torehabilitate the foot structure. The catalyst is an asymmetrically domedstructure having a said maximum height at it apex from 1% to 5% of thelength of the foot. The catalyst does not provide a bracing function butinstead, proprioceptive feedback. The plantar aspect of the catalyst hasa receptacle for receiving an interchangeable insert. Many formsthereof, are disclosed. The catalyst is resiliently deformable to applyan upwardly directed pressure to stimulate the Golgi tendon organ, anddeflects from between 40% and 100% of its maximum height in response tothe vertical forces of a person standing at rest.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, the plantar aspect of thedevice is also characterized by a substantially domed shaped catalystwith a receptacle with vertical walls for removeably accommodating aresilient member with corresponding vertical walls.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457, the plantar aspect of thedevise is also characterized by a substantially domed shaped catalystwith a cavity or receptacle for removeably accommodating an insert whichacts between the catalyst and an underlying surface to control theresilient deformability of the catalyst; and that the cavity and inserthave an engagement means for resisting separation of the insert from theinsole and lateral shifting therebetween.

However, it has been found that the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,404,659, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 havea number of limitations that inhibit the devices' optimal positioningand the degree of stimulus provided to the plantar surface of the footwhile the foot is interfacing with the ground, during the initialcontact, support, and propulsion phases of the multidirectional bipedalactivity gait cycles.

In general the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, in U.S.Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 incorporate dome shapedcatalysts the positioning of which is fixed. This fixed positioning ofthe dome shaped catalysts restricts the stimulus to the center of thefoot's arch apex to only those times when users of the devices arestanding perfectly erect on perfectly horizontal terrain. In instanceswhen the users are engaging in multidirectional bipedal activitiesduring which their lower limbs are not perpendicular to the terrainwhether the terrain is horizontal or not, users of the devices wouldexperience stimulus to less than optimal locations around the peripheryof the center of the arch apex as the foot moves about the dome shape.This less than optimal location of the stimulus to the sole of the footresults in a less than optimal proprioceptive reflex response and a lessstable musculoskeletal arch system and ankle.

In addition, the devices disclosed do not allow for any degree ofadjustability in the relative positioning of the dome shaped catalyst toaccommodate users who have feet of identical length but have variancesin foot type. For example one person could have a longer arch andshorter toes and another have a shorter arch and longer toes, yet bothcould have the same foot length. In another example one person couldhave a wide foot and another a narrow foot, yet both could have the samefoot length as the aforementioned persons. Therefore, the devicesdisclosed would fail to provide stimulus at the optimal location for oneof the individuals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A catalyst device configured to fit the profile of the human foot topromote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of the mechanoreceptors andnocioreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot at the anatomicalapex of the foot's arch system. The anatomical apex of the foot's archsystem being defined as the highest part of the mid-foot's boneystructure when viewed from the mid-foot's medial to lateral aspectbetween the calcaneous (heel) and metatarsal heads (forefoot).

The catalyst device has an anchoring system for locating the catalystdevice central to the foot's anatomical arch apex. The catalyst devicemay be a resilient ellipsoidal or spherically shaped biofeedback devicethat presents to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found tobe the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system.

The resilient ellipsoidal or spherically shaped biofeedback catalystsdisplay physical properties as to dynamically stimulate the body'snatural neuromuscular reflex mechanisms that effectively optimally alignand stabilize the foot's musculoskeletal arch system and ankle. Theplantar aspect of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedbackcatalysts encourages the catalysts to dynamically roll and pivot abouttheir plantar apexes as they mirror the foot's movement throughmultidimensional activities. This dynamic movement ensures that theellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts' dorsal aspectapexes always optimally align with anatomical apex of the foot's archsystem regardless of the angle at which the foot contacts the ground.

The net result is a more structurally sound foot capable of optimallymanaging the forces generated during all bipedal activities with themost efficient use of muscular energy and the lowest degree of injuryinducing stress. With regular use, the stimulated neuromuscular activityresults in the foot's musculoskeletal structure becoming progressivelystronger and less susceptible to injury. The catalyst device providesrehabilitative, preventive, and performance enhancing benefits.

The resilient ellipsoidal or spherical biofeedback catalysts displayphysical properties such that they do not provide functional bracing orsupport to the plantar aspect of the foot.

The catalyst device has the ability to receive and interchange theresilient ellipsoidal or spherical biofeedback catalyst components, aswell as having the anchoring provision to ensure proper placement in ashoe or other foot shodding article of the catalysts relative to theuser's anatomical arch apex.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated below withreference to the accompanying illustrations.

FIG. 1 a is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1 b is a bottom plan view of an anchor positioning piece componentof the present invention;

FIG. 1 c is the section line c-c of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 1 e is an end elevation showing an anchor positioning piece inassociation with a variety of catalysts;

FIG. 2 a is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the insole deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 2 b is a section on line b-b of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 c is a section on line c-c of FIG. 2 b;

FIG. 3 a is a top plan view of an anchor positioning piece with anchorattached according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 3 a without theanchor positioning piece and catalyst installed;

FIG. 3 c is a top plan view of a top layer of an insole device accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 3 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 3 c;

FIG. 3 e is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 3 c;

FIG. 3 f is bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 g is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the insoledevice;

FIG. 4 a is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of an insole deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 c is a section on line c-c of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 e is an exploded view corresponding to FIG. 4 c;

FIG. 5 a is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of an insole deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 b is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c is a section on line c-c of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 e is an exploded view corresponding to FIG. 5 c;

FIG. 6 a is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of an insole deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 b is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6 c is a section on line c-c of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6 e is an exploded view corresponding to FIG. 6 c;

FIG. 7 a is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 b is a section on line b-b of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 a is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of an insole deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8 b is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 8 c is a section on line c-c of FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 8 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 8 e is an exploded view corresponding to FIG. 8 c;

FIG. 9 a is a top plan view of a ninth embodiment of an insole deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 b is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9 c is a section on line c-c of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9 e is an exploded view corresponding to FIG. 9 c;

FIG. 10 a is a midsole according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 b is a top plan view of a midsole cavity with a catalyst mountedtherein;

FIG. 10 c is an end elevation of the catalyst of FIG. 10 b;

FIG. 10 d is a front elevation of the catalyst of FIG. 10 b;

FIG. 10 e is a top plan view of a height adjustment shim portion of themidsole of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10 f is a front elevation corresponding to FIG. 10 e;

FIG. 10 g is an end elevation corresponding to FIG. 10 e;

FIG. 11 is an axial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10 a but withcatalysts removed;

FIG. 12 a is an alternate embodiment of a midsole according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 b is a top plan view of a midsole cavity of the midsole of FIG.12 a with a catalyst mounted therein;

FIG. 12 c is an end elevation of the catalyst of FIG. 12 b;

FIG. 12 d is a front elevation of the catalyst of FIG. 12 b;

FIG. 12 e is an end elevation showing a height adjustable platform witha catalyst positioned thereon;

FIG. 12 f is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 12 e;

FIG. 13 a corresponds to FIG. 12 a but shows the height adjustmentmechanism in its lowest position;

FIG. 13 b illustrates a height adjustable platform;

FIGS. 13 c, 13 d and 13 e illustrate height adjustable platform screwmechanisms according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 a is a top plan view of a further alternate embodiment of amidsole design according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 b is a top plan view of an interchangeable catalyst mechanismand anchoring means in accordance with the FIG. 14 a embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation corresponding to FIG. 14 b;

FIGS. 16 through 23 are axial sectional views of different embodimentsof midsole designs according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 a is a top plan view of an anchor positioning piece with anchorattached according to a still further embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 b is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 24 a without theanchor positioning piece and catalyst installed;

FIG. 24 c is a top plan view of a top layer of an insole deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 24 d is a section on line d-d of FIG. 24 c;

FIG. 24 e is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 24 c;

FIG. 24 f is bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 24 a;

FIG. 24 g is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the insoledevice.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative insole device isgenerally illustrated by reference 30 in the Figures. The insole device30 consists of a flexible insole body having an outer portion 32defining an upwardly extending dome 34 located central to the foot'sanatomical arch apex. The dome 34 receives interchangeable substantiallyellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts 40 for interfacing with theplantar aspect of a human foot.

The catalysts 40 have an apex 42 on the dorsal surface for aligning witha target area within the foot, the target area being defined by theanatomical arch apex.

The plantar aspect (bottom) 44 of the catalysts, in concert with theflexible insole body encourage the catalysts to dynamically roll andpivot about their plantar apexes as they mirror the foot's movementthrough multidimensional activities.

The catalysts 40 are resiliently deformable to apply an upwardlydirected pressure to stimulate the nocioreceptors and mechanoreceptorsin the skin of the sole of the foot in response to downward pressure onthe catalyst 40 by the foot. The ellipsoidal or spherically shapedcatalysts 40 provide resilient deformability to allow the catalyst 40 todeflect from between 10% and 100% of their maximum height in response tovertical forces of a person standing at rest being applied to thecatalyst 40.

The catalysts' 40 resilient deformability may be selected so as toprovide constant or variable resistance in response to vertical forcesof a person standing at rest being applied to the catalyst. For examplethe catalyst may provide a constant or progressively increased ordecreased compressive resistance relative to the degree of deformation.

The catalysts 40 may be of varied sizes and shapes relative to footlength, width and arch height.

The dorsal aspect (top) 43 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii orapexes 42 at different locations relative to their horizontal midline toaccommodate for a variety of foot types of the same foot length andensure the optimal location of the stimulus provided.

The dorsal aspect 43 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii or apexesat different locations relative to their frontal plane midline toaccommodate for a variety of foot types of the same foot length andensure the optimal location of the stimulus provided.

The plantar aspect 44 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii orapexes at different locations relative to their horizontal midline suchas for example shown in FIGS. 10 c, 10 d and 10 e to optimize thedynamic rolling and pivoting motion specific to requirements ofdifferent bipedal activities or pathologies.

The plantar aspect 44 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii orapexes at different locations relative to their frontal plane midline tooptimize the dynamic rolling and pivoting motion specific torequirements of different bipedal activities or pathologies.

The catalysts 40 resilient deformability may be achieved by a variety ofmechanical spring-like mechanisms or the use of resiliently deformablematerials or a combination thereof.

The catalysts 40 may be comprised of a variety of materials, densities,and resiliencies such as foams, rubbers, plastics, or other flexiblematerials. The catalysts may be comprised of one piece made from onematerial or comprised of a number of pieces made from differentmaterials. Catalysts 40 comprised of a number of pieces may bepreassembled as one unit or may be comprised of a number ofinterchangeable interlocking pieces that can be assembled by the user.The catalysts may be hollow and pressurized to varying degrees with gas,for example air or nitrogen.

The flexible insole body 30 may be comprised from a variety of materialssuch as foams, rubbers, and plastics as well as synthetic and naturalfabrics. The insole body 30 may be comprised of one piece made from onematerial or may be comprised of a number of pieces made from differentmaterials. Insole bodies made of a number of pieces may be preassembledas one unit or may be comprised of a number of interchangeableinterlocking pieces that can be assembled by the user. The catalysts mayalso incorporate a mechanical spring (spiral or leaf) comprised of metalor a metal alloy.

The flexible insole body and catalysts 40 may have a variety ofco-operating engagement means 50 for securing interchangable ellipsoidaland spherically shaped catalysts to the insole body. The co-operatingengagement 50 means may include detent means for resisting separation ofthe ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts 40 from the insole body32 and may allow or restrict shifting therebetween.

In the FIGS. 1 a to 1 e embodiment an anchored positioning piece 60which is securable to the insole body 32 on an underside of the insolebody 32 maintains the catalyst in place. A flexible anchoring means 50extends from the anchor positioning piece 60 and engages the catalystthrough a protrusion in the form of a flexible anchor which is receivedin a correspondingly shaped receptacle in the catalyst, the protrusionbeing narrower adjacent the anchor positioning piece 60 than at an enddistal the anchor positioning piece 60.

In the FIGS. 2 a to 2 c embodiment, the anchor positioning piece 60 isintegral with an upper part 90 of the catalyst 40 which receives a lowerpart 92. The lower part 92 has a curved lower surface 94 upon which thecatalyst 40 can pivot or roll. A flexible anchor 50 is provided on thelower part 92 which is basically a protrusion received in acorresponding recess in the upper part 90. FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustratea similar arrangement but with a different interaction between thepositioning piece 60 and the insole 32 in a heel region 33 of the insole32.

FIGS. 3 a to 3 g comprise further views of an insole 32 similar to theFIG. 2 embodiment.

FIG. 24 a through 24 f illustrates an insole body 32 similar to the FIG.2 embodiment but having heel and forefoot cushioning members 70 and 72respectively depending downwardly from an underside thereof.

FIGS. 4 a to 4 e show the use of a removable dome 34 on the insole body32. The removable dome includes interactive engaging means such as knobended protrusions 100 which are received in corresponding recesses inthe insole body 30. In the FIG. 4 embodiment the catalyst is trapped ina pocket 102 beneath the removable dome.

FIGS. 5 a to 5 e illustrate an alternate embodiment of the removabledome 34 which is generally similar to the FIGS. 4 a to 4 e embodimentexcept that the catalyst is integral with the removable dome 34 andaccordingly held in place by the interactive engaging means 100 which inthis case also act as an anchoring means.

FIGS. 6 a to 6 e is an embodiment very similar to the FIGS. 4 a to 4 eembodiment except that the pocket 102 which receives the catalyst 40also extends into the insole body 32.

FIGS. 8 a to 8 e is a view similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 4 a to 4 ebut showing a different mechanism for maintaining the removable dome inplace. According to the FIGS. 8 a to 8 e embodiment the insole body 32has a recess 108 extending into its upper surface and surrounded by aninwardly extending lip 112. The lip 112 registers with an overlies acorrespondingly profiled edge 110 of the removable dome 34.

FIGS. 9 a to 9 e illustrate an embodiment similar to the FIGS. 4 a to 4e embodiment but showing a differently shaped pocket 102.

The catalyst may be incorporated into the midsole of a shoe rather thanthe insole as illustrated in the remaining figures.

FIGS. 10 a to 10 g illustrate catalyst 40 between an insole body 32 anda midsole 120. The anchor 50 engages the midsole 120 at heel andforefoot regions 80 and 82 respectively thereof. The height of thecatalyst may be adjusted using height adjustment shims 130 placedbetween the catalyst 40 and the midsole 120 in a receptacle or pocket132 as illustrated.

FIG. 11 illustrates the FIGS. 10 a to 10 g embodiment in a lowerposition without the presence of adjustment shims. The shims wouldtypically be placed in a cavity 130 in the midsole which has a shapethat prevents unwanted movement of the catalyst.

FIGS. 12 a to 12 f illustrate an alternate mechanism for adjusting theheight of the cavity utilizing a screw mechanism 140 having a screw 150mounted in the midsole with a screw head 152 visible through theoutsole. The screw 150 threadedly engages a platform 154 which ismoveable toward and away from the outsole in response to rotation of thescrew 150. The screw acts between the midsole 120 and the platform 154.

FIG. 13 a corresponds to FIG. 12 which shows the platform 154 at itslowest position whereas the platform 154 in FIG. 12 a is shown at itshighest position.

FIG. 13 b illustrates the platform 154.

FIGS. 13 c, 13 d and 13 e illustrate height adjustable platform screwmechanisms.

FIGS. 14 a, 14 b and FIG. 15 correspond to FIGS. 13 a to 13 e and show aplan view of the midsole. The midsole has indentations 160 extendinginto an upper face thereof which receives the anchoring means 50associated with the catalyst 40.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate alternate interactive engagement meansfor securing the catalyst 40 to the midsole 120. FIGS. 16, 17 and 18also show the use of a removable dome 42 which instead of engaging abody of an insole engages the midsole 120 in a manner analogous to thatdescribed above with reference to FIG. 8.

FIGS. 19 through 23 illustrate catalysts of varying shapes and densityfor providing a variety of compression (stimulus) characteristics fordifferent foot-type requirements and/or activities.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments and examples ofthe apparatus and process of the invention have been presented toillustrate the principles of the invention and not to limit theinvention to the particular embodiments illustrated. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by all of the embodimentsencompassed within the claims and/or their equivalents.

1. An insole and/or shoe midsole device comprising: a sole shaped bodydefining an upwardly extending dome in a midfoot section thereof; abiofeedback catalyst mountable in said dome so as to be moveable atleast longitudinally relative to the outer portion said catalyst beingpositionable to cause said dome to engage an anatomical apex of the soleface of the arch of a wearer's foot; said catalyst having an ellipsoidalor spherical shape, being dimensioned and having a resiliency sufficientto promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of mechanical receptorsand nocioreceptors in the skin of said sole at said apex; and,cooperating engagement means extending between said body and saidcatalyst for connecting said catalyst to said body to locate saidcatalyst in said dome while allowing said movement of said catalystrelative to said body.
 2. The insole device of claim 1 wherein saidcooperating engagement means comprises a positioning piece releasablymountable to a bottom of said body across said dome and releasableconnecting means for releasably connecting said positioning piece tosaid catalyst.
 3. The insole device of claim 1 wherein said cooperatingengagement means comprises at least one positioning piece extending fromand integral with said catalyst for releasable connection to said body.4. The insole device of claim 1 further comprising varying meansassociated with said catalyst for varying at least one of saidresiliency and height of said catalyst.
 5. The insole device of claim 4wherein said varying means is a lower part of said catalyst which isreleasably connectable to an upper part of said catalyst.
 6. The insoledevice of claim 5 wherein said insole device is incorporated in amidsole and said varying device acts between said catalyst and saidmidsole.
 7. The insole device of claim 6 wherein said varying device isone of shims and a screw device.
 8. The insole device of claim 1 whereinsaid dome is removable from said body for exchange of said catalyst andwherein said dome and said body are provided with interactive engagementmeans for releasably securing said dome to said body.
 9. (canceled) 10.The insole device of claim 3 further comprising varying means associatedwith said catalyst for varying at least one of said resiliency andheight of said catalyst.
 11. The insole device of claim 10 wherein saidvarying means is a lower part of said catalyst which is releasablyconnectable to an upper part of said catalyst.
 12. The insole device ofclaim 11 wherein said insole device is incorporated in a midsole andsaid varying device acts between said catalyst and said midsole.
 13. Theinsole device of claim 12 wherein said varying device is one of shimsand a screw device.